There’s simply no better way to experience Holland and Belgium than by river cruiser, gliding past fields of tulips and windmills to visit quaint villages and Renaissance cities seemingly frozen in time: Ghent, Antwerp, and Bruges. And, of course, we’ll visit Keukenhof Gardens, 79 acres of breathtaking beauty, open only in the springtime. Don’t miss your chance to visit one of Europe’s most magical corners, at the most enchanting time of year!

Embark the vessel and get settled into your cabin. This evening, enjoy a Welcome Cocktail, followed by a specially-prepared Welcome Dinner.

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Day 1

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Regarded as the Venice of the north, the Dutch capital of Amsterdam is made up of a series of 90 islands, which are connected by almost 1,200 bridges. Today, Amsterdam is a city of contrasts, with many people being attracted to this vibrant destination for its range of bars and night clubs. On the other hand, Amsterdam is home many renowned architectural structures, insightful museums and beautiful gardens.

The Royal Palace was originally built in the 17th century to serve as a town hall, but is now one of three palaces in the Netherlands to be under disposal of the monarchy. In the springtime, be sure to visit the Keukenhof Gardens, where seven million flower bulbs create a beautiful display of bold and bright colours.

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Day 2

Amsterdam - Hoorn

In the nearby village of Hoorn, visit a cheese farm to learn about Dutch cheese production. This evening, enjoy a delicious dinner as we continue to explore the Netherlands.

Regarded as the Venice of the north, the Dutch capital of Amsterdam is made up of a series of 90 islands, which are connected by almost 1,200 bridges. Today, Amsterdam is a city of contrasts, with many people being attracted to this vibrant destination for its range of bars and night clubs. On the other hand, Amsterdam is home many renowned architectural structures, insightful museums and beautiful gardens.

The Royal Palace was originally built in the 17th century to serve as a town hall, but is now one of three palaces in the Netherlands to be under disposal of the monarchy. In the springtime, be sure to visit the Keukenhof Gardens, where seven million flower bulbs create a beautiful display of bold and bright colours.

2

Day 2

Hoorn, Netherlands

The town of Hoorn is located in north-west Netherlands, on the banks of Lake Ijssel. It is most renowned for being the home of Willem Schouten, who discovered and subsequently named the southern tip of Argentina as “Cape Horn”. Hoorn has an extensive history, which extends back to 1300. The builder of the East Indian Empire, Jan Coen, was born in the town and the West Frisian Museum holds a number of 17th century exhibits brought from Indonesia. It is also home to two medieval churches and a number of buildings dating back to between the 16th and 17th centuries.

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Day 3

Arnhem

Experience the wonderful landscape along the river before arriving in Arnhem for lunch. This afternoon, explore the city of Arnhem, a small metropolis that was greatly affected by WWII. The open-air museum recounts daily life in Arnhem or visit the former Second World War battlefield and the Airborne Museum “Hartenstein”. You can also visit the Burgers’ Zoo, the most-visited zoo in the Netherlands. Back on board, enjoy dinner as we cruise to the capital of Zeeland.

5th April 2018 Exclusive: Ship docked in Arnhem with half day excursion to the model gardens of Appeltern

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Day 3

Arnhem, Netherlands

Located 50 miles east of Amsterdam, the Dutch city of Arnhem was once the location of a WW2 battlefield site. Within the city, you can visit the Netherlands Open Air Museum and the National Heritage Museum – where it is possible to trace Dutch history in exhibits from all over the country. A short 15-mile journey north of Arnhem will take you to Apeldoorn, which is home to Het Loo Palace. Built in 1685, this landmark was home to Dutch royalty until 1975 and today it is a museum dedicated to the history of the House of Orange.

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Day 4

Middleburg, Netherlands

After a morning spent cruising the waterways, we arrive in the picturesque town of Middelburg. In the Golden Age (17th c), the Dutch East Indies Company flourished, evidenced by the merchant houses and storefronts that line the canals. For a feat of modern technology, visit the impressive Delta Works. This expansive series of dams was built to protect the area against flooding and high tides. Several original windmills still stand on the outskirts of town, representing another innovative technology of a bygone era.

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Day 4

Middelburg, Netherlands

Located in the south-western Netherlands, on the former site of Walcheren Island, is the city of Middelburg. It is home to many notable buildings including the 16th-century town hall, the 12th century Abbey of St. Nicholas, the 16th century New Church, and a number of town gates which remain standing to this day. The town got its name from being located in a central position on the island and was once known as a town that traded wine and cloth.

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Day 5

Ghent, Belgium

Overnight, cross the border into Belgium and reach the city of Ghent where your vessel will remain anchored for the day. Ghent is the country’s third-largest city and one of Belgium’s best kept secrets. Home to the beautiful St. Bavo Cathedral and the famous Ghent Altarpiece, it is also home to numerous other museums – something for everyone. Another beautiful city worth visiting is nearby Bruges, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the Basilica of the Holy Blood which houses a relic, a vial of blood, that is said to be that of Jesus. Another worthwhile stop is the Groeninge Museum – with its collection of artwork that spans several centuries. This evening, join your fellow travellers for dinner.

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Day 6

Antwerp, Belgium

Wake up in this beautiful Belgian city, where there is plenty to discover. Although famous for its diamond trade, Antwerp is also home to numerous cultural jewels. Among them, the Cathedral of Our Lady, with paintings by the famous Baroque artist Peter Paul Rubens, including the Raising of the Cross and the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, is not to be missed. Spend the afternoon in Antwerp following individual pursuits or venture to the nearby capital city of Brussels, a major centre for international politics. In the evening, enjoy the Captain’s Gala Dinner.

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Day 7

Kinderdijk - Utrecht - Amsterdam, Netherlands

On today’s return to the Netherlands, the historic windmills of Kinderdijk are a good example of the rich history of the country.

At midday, the vessel heads for Utrecht and the grand finale, the Keukenhof Flower Gardens. This beautiful park features more tulips in flower than anywhere else in the world. Over 7 million bulbs are planted here annually, with visitors from around the world coming to explore the 9-and-a-half-mile network of footpaths, including the largest sculpture park in the Netherlands. Should you choose to join the expedition to the flower gardens, you will rejoin the vessel in Amsterdam, where it remains overnight.

The Dutch village of Kinderdijk is located in the province of South Holland, 15km east of Rotterdam. Situated at the confluence of the Lek and Noord rivers, it is home to the largest concentration of windmills in the Netherlands, which have helped place the village on the UNESCO World Heritage list. These 19 windmills were built around 1740 for the purpose of draining water from the polders.

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Day 7

Utrecht, Netherlands

One of the largest cities in the Netherlands, Utrecht is located 26 miles southeast of Amsterdam. As with many Dutch cities, it is bisected by many rivers and canals, with the Amsterdam-Rhine canal flowing through its centre. The city's Maliebaan, a tree shaded wharf, is one of the finest promenades in the country, boasting restaurants, shops and cafes that welcome visitors from all over.

Utrecht has museums dedicated to watchmaking, art history, railways, gold and music, whilst the remains of its impressive cathedral are a big draw for tourists too. The 370-feet tall tower is the tallest in The Netherlands, but much of the main building was damaged in a storm in 1674. Fans of religious architecture will be in their element as Jans Church, Sint Pieters Church and Geerte Church are just three reasons that Utrecht has the largest number of restored religious buildings in Europe.

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Day 7

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Regarded as the Venice of the north, the Dutch capital of Amsterdam is made up of a series of 90 islands, which are connected by almost 1,200 bridges. Today, Amsterdam is a city of contrasts, with many people being attracted to this vibrant destination for its range of bars and night clubs. On the other hand, Amsterdam is home many renowned architectural structures, insightful museums and beautiful gardens.

The Royal Palace was originally built in the 17th century to serve as a town hall, but is now one of three palaces in the Netherlands to be under disposal of the monarchy. In the springtime, be sure to visit the Keukenhof Gardens, where seven million flower bulbs create a beautiful display of bold and bright colours.

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Day 8

Dismebark

Today after breakfast you will disembark the vessel and be transfered to the airport for your flights home.

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Day 8

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Regarded as the Venice of the north, the Dutch capital of Amsterdam is made up of a series of 90 islands, which are connected by almost 1,200 bridges. Today, Amsterdam is a city of contrasts, with many people being attracted to this vibrant destination for its range of bars and night clubs. On the other hand, Amsterdam is home many renowned architectural structures, insightful museums and beautiful gardens.

The Royal Palace was originally built in the 17th century to serve as a town hall, but is now one of three palaces in the Netherlands to be under disposal of the monarchy. In the springtime, be sure to visit the Keukenhof Gardens, where seven million flower bulbs create a beautiful display of bold and bright colours.

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About Fred.\

As part of Fred. Olsen Travel, one of the UK’s most established travel companies, Fred.\ Holidays provides outstanding customer service, choice and value for money through our six distinct specialisms. Bonded by the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) and by the Civil Aviation Authority’s Air Travel Organisers Licensing (ATOL) scheme, you can look forward to your next adventure with the peace of mind that your money is financially protected in the event of unforeseen circumstances.

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